Environmental degradation risk by water erosion in a water producer Colombian Andes basin

ABSTRACT Globally, soil degradation by water erosion has become one of the major environmental problems in tropical regions, especially under severe conditions Andes. This study aims to detail risk a producer basin located Tropical Colombian Andes (Combeima River basin), applying RUSLE model, discussing how minimize processes its (steep slope, climatic variability, classes and properties diversity, alternative land uses). was applied with support GIS estimate current potential basin, allowing identification areas more prone degradation. It found that currently, 50.5% basin’s area presents, on average, annual losses greater than 25 Mg ha-1 yr-1, meaning very high erosion, 30.4% showing (> 100 yr-1). possible conclude uses management systems have not been effective mitigating mainly when situated steep topography. Therefore, it is necessary sustainable planning for conservation soil, water, organic carbon, plant nutrients, other elements (not-nutrients) this region.